Is it just me or are plated bullets just getting ridiculously priced lately? I do not know how Berry's or Ranier stay in business.:whistling:

Boxerglocker

11-27-2011, 19:49

Rainier is a local company to me. They sponsor a few of our regular monthly matches. I'd truly like to support them better, but at my use rate their prices put me in the hole compared to buying FMJ from Precision Delta and just being patient for delivery.

atakawow

11-27-2011, 19:55

Berry's 230gr RN is $141.00 per k. That is absurd pricing...

CitizenOfDreams

11-27-2011, 20:23

Plated bullets... Shiny! :hearts:

stumpjumper

11-28-2011, 05:42

I've been usiing Xtreme plated bullets for some time now-cheaper than Berrys and most fmj.

GMAN12

11-28-2011, 05:44

I used to use x-treme but they got expensive paying shipping.

CitizenOfDreams

11-28-2011, 07:17

Just looked at X-Treme website... 115gr 9mm X-Treme bullets without shipping are more expensive than Precision Delta shipped. 45 caliber is a better deal, but shipping costs will still tip the scales toward Precision Delta.

40S&W could be a good deal though. Anyone knows how much X-Treme charges for shipping?

DoctaGlockta

11-28-2011, 07:25

LRN.

I haven't ordered plated pistol bullets in a while. And tempted to ask Santa for some casting equipment this year.

stumpjumper

11-28-2011, 09:04

Xtreme packs 3-500 round boxes in a medium priority box and that normally runs $11-$12. They have a PDF file listed on their website. I think they said they could put 3000 pcs. of 9mm in a medium box- I'm going to find out next week. They also will sell 500 pcs. for 1/2 the 1000 pc. price- not charge a premium. I just ordered 500 147gr 9mm and 1000 185gr 45 last week and it cost about $147 shipped and I got it the order in 3 days.

fredj338

11-28-2011, 09:40

Just looked at X-Treme website... 115gr 9mm X-Treme bullets without shipping are more expensive than Precision Delta shipped. 45 caliber is a better deal, but shipping costs will still tip the scales toward Precision Delta.

40S&W could be a good deal though. Anyone knows how much X-Treme charges for shipping?

Exactly my point. I have been around to maybe 6 diff manuf, all are stupidly expensive when compared to PD jacketed or even MG. I don't see how they stay in business selling a product of lesser quality for more money.:dunno: I shoot mostly lead, but was looking for some bullets for a friend that won't shoot the nasty silver stuff.:whistling:

Agent6-3/8

11-28-2011, 09:54

Is it just me or are plated bullets just getting ridiculously priced lately? I do not know how Berry's or Ranier stay in business.:whistling:

Yea, no kidding. I used to be a big Berry's fan until their prices went nuts a few years ago. I still load their 115g 9mm, but only buy when I catch it on sale.

sig2009

11-28-2011, 16:28

Exactly my point. I have been around to maybe 6 diff manuf, all are stupidly expensive when compared to PD jacketed or even MG. I don't see how they stay in business selling a product of lesser quality for more money.:dunno: I shoot mostly lead, but was looking for some bullets for a friend that won't shoot the nasty silver stuff.:whistling:

I stopped buying from Berrys and Rainier when they became more expensive than PD. How do they still stay in business? People don't know PD exists.

ursoboostd

11-28-2011, 18:00

I order all my plated bullets from here. Seem to be good prices to me. Any order over $45 gets free shipping. -Wade-

http://tjconevera.com/bullets.html

oneofthose

11-28-2011, 18:07

My last bulk order was FMJ's from Montana Gold, about 6 months ago. Price was very competitive at that time, not sure where they are now.

TX Archer

11-28-2011, 18:21

Exactly my point. I have been around to maybe 6 diff manuf, all are stupidly expensive when compared to PD jacketed or even MG. I don't see how they stay in business selling a product of lesser quality for more money.:dunno: I shoot mostly lead, but was looking for some bullets for a friend that won't shoot the nasty silver stuff.:whistling:
Are plated bullets really lesser quality or are you just making a point? If so, in what way? I've only loaded PD so far because you fellas tipped me off to the good prices. Thanks for that.

oneofthose

11-28-2011, 18:47

Are plated bullets really lesser quality or are you just making a point? If so, in what way? I've only loaded PD so far because you fellas tipped me off to the good prices. Thanks for that.

Just my opinion, plated bullets are different that fmj, but I don't think the differences matter that much for most pistol loads.

I believe the plating is softer and thinner than than a jacket. I had some plated bullets, frontier I think, that the rifling in my springfield 9mm 1911 would cut through the plating, the plating would separete from the lead core, resulting in keyholes, flyers and in general poor accuracy. The same bullets gave me no troubles in my G19.

I can't confirm, but I have read that the plating can also be uneven. The bullet will still be round, but the lead core may not be "centered" inside, resulting in an unstable and less acurate bullet.

It would also seem to me that a soft bullet with soft plating may not be well suited to max loads.

I used to shoot all fmj. Then plated bullets got my attention, because of their price, and I had good luck with them overall. Now, good plated bullets are just as much as fmj, so I'm back to fmj.

buckshotshorty

11-28-2011, 20:20

I recently loaded up 500 9mm rounds using 124Gr. Precision Delta FMJ. The overall length was set at 1.110". After I loaded them, I found variations in OAL ranging from 1.090 - 1.120" I did not touch my seating die. All loads done on a Dillon Square deal B.
Out of curiosity, I checked some loads that were put together with Berry's 124 gr. RN. They were also set at 1.110" OAL. Most of the rounds made with Berry's bullets were right at 1.110"OAL very few varied, and only slightly.
I cannot account for the difference.

noylj

12-01-2011, 00:57

Never understood the attraction of plated bullets.
In the market today, they cost as much or more than jacketed bullets from Montana Gold or Precision Delta.
I think that the cost is escalating as OSHA tightens regulations on plating operations and disposal of waste.
There was a time about 4-5 years ago when plated bullets were hard to find due to manufacturers being faced with new regulations they had to scramble to meet.
OSHA and EPA do not do the economic analysis they are legally required to do and they see their long term employment to be based on new and tighter regulations.

fredj338

12-01-2011, 02:16

Are plated bullets really lesser quality or are you just making a point? If so, in what way? I've only loaded PD so far because you fellas tipped me off to the good prices. Thanks for that.

Well not so much lesser qualitry but NOT a FMJ. Plated are soft lead cores w/ very, very thin plating. So thin that slight over crimping breaks the plating & accuracy is ruined. Fine for plinkrs when they were less than most jacketed, but case orders form PD or MG are cheaper & real jacketed, go fast & not delicate bullets.:dunno:

PCJim

12-01-2011, 12:59

Its probably the increasing requirements of indoor ranges that make plated bullets as popular as they are, which supports the price differential.

engineermike

12-01-2011, 13:10

So you are telling me that if I order the Precision Delta bullets I will like them?

fredj338

12-01-2011, 13:12

So you are telling me that if I order the Precision Delta bullets I will like them?

If you have been shooting plated, you will like PD. If you want to treat yourself, the MG bullets are very high quality for accuracy purposes. Plated can be very accurate, they just require more care during reloading. the plating is very thin & the lead is quite soft.

Steve Koski

12-01-2011, 15:08

I recently loaded up 500 9mm rounds using 124Gr. Precision Delta FMJ. The overall length was set at 1.110". After I loaded them, I found variations in OAL ranging from 1.090 - 1.120" I did not touch my seating die. All loads done on a Dillon Square deal B.
Out of curiosity, I checked some loads that were put together with Berry's 124 gr. RN. They were also set at 1.110" OAL. Most of the rounds made with Berry's bullets were right at 1.110"OAL very few varied, and only slightly.
I cannot account for the difference.

PD is not known for their precision. Ask 918v. He hates 'em. Irregular shapes.

rpgman

12-01-2011, 15:37

PD is not known for their precision. Ask 918v. He hates 'em. Irregular shapes.

my 147gr 9mm and 165gr .40 from Precision Delta don't vary that much.
I'm seeing about a + or - .005 on the 9mm

I'm using both at 1.130 and I get SOME variances at like 1.125 and some upto 1.135.

The 165gr .40's are usually very close.

F106 Fan

12-01-2011, 15:44

PD .45 cal 230 gr FMJ - $119/1000
MG .45 cal 230 gr CMJ - $181/1000

The Montana Gold may be better quality but I wonder if I will see the difference considering my shooting ability.

I have 2000 PD 230 gr on order and I have 1000 Win 230 gr ready to load. I'll try and see if I notice a difference.

I don't currently have any MG 230 gr. I MIGHT think about it but that extra $60 plus shipping is a lot of money if the PD are accurate enough.

Besides, the FMJ/CMJ are only for my G21SF. I use S&S LRN and LSWC in both of my Colts.

Richard

rpgman

12-01-2011, 15:55

I recently purchased 6000 rounds from PD.
4000 9mm 147gr and 2000 .40 165gr and saved some money for a 6000 round order.

I paid .098 cents a bullet.

They even sent out another 2000 .40 when the first shipment got lost.
It's still lost.
Greg

ron59

12-01-2011, 16:13

I shot 5,000 147gr PD bullets. I was very happy with them, thought the accuracy was equivalent to MG.

Right now I'm shooting some molys to save money, but if I go back to jacketed, it will be PD.

cowboy1964

12-01-2011, 16:20

I just started reloading this year but Berry's 124gr 9mm is the same price as when I started.

If you only order 1000 the Berry's and PD's 124gr 9mm prices are almost identical (PD comes in like two bucks cheaper). Berry's 230gr .45 is indeed high.

sig2009

12-01-2011, 17:59

Its probably the increasing requirements of indoor ranges that make plated bullets as popular as they are, which supports the price differential.

I wouldn't shoot or belong to any range that doesn't allow me to shoot lead.

snowwdog

12-01-2011, 20:49

not that im against lead but for the extra $30 you can get plated berrys. i dont shoot 230 in .45, dont want to beat the gun up or myself o much. i like 185 or 200 grain and pd doest have it. If i go lead the possibilites are pretty much endless. So for the hotter loads its plated and im starting to talk myself into lead.

F106 Fan

12-02-2011, 00:10

I shoot a lot of lead in .45 ACP: 200 gr LSWC and 230 gr RN, both loaded with 4.8 gr 700-X. I use the same load for 230 gr FMJ for the Glock; I don't have a replacement barrel yet.

Both 230 gr bullets make the 165 PF but the 200 gr comes up a little short.

When my grandson started shooting .45, I cut the powder back to 4.3 gr and the loads would only cycle the Gold Cup. The Sig and Colt Combat Government want a little more recoil (factory full-power springs).

The 9mm for my grandson's XD9 will no longer be LRN. My wife wants him to get less lead exposure so I'll be loading only FMJ or CMJ. Too bad, those 115 gr LRN shot pretty well. And they were cheap to reload...

Richard

freakshow10mm

12-02-2011, 00:45

Xtreme from TJ Conevera is probably the cheapest you'll find for pricing on them.

MG is better when buying by the case.

Zero are great but never in stock when I need to buy.

kostnerave

12-03-2011, 21:52

You should look into casting it not that $$ to get started and you will never look back. Yes they are a little smokey but even when shot indoors isn't that bad. There are a few casters on GT and you may shoot with some so give it a try. It like a shooter that doesn't reload it all part of the hobby enjoy it.

engineermike

12-05-2011, 04:53

I think I'll order some PD's in the 9mm and S&W 40 and see how they work. I have been shooting Berry's and X-treme and both are good. Some of my c.o.l's are a little/lot varied but but I think it is more in my seater pin and the bullets being a little canted when I put them in the case to seat. For the price I will buy a couple of thousand and see what they do.

fredj338

12-05-2011, 10:01

not that im against lead but for the extra $30 you can get plated berrys. i dont shoot 230 in .45, dont want to beat the gun up or myself o much. i like 185 or 200 grain and pd doest have it. If i go lead the possibilites are pretty much endless. So for the hotter loads its plated and im starting to talk myself into lead.

Hmm, 3c per round savings is pretty significant. It beats trying to save 1/3c/rd using TG!:tongueout:

fredj338

12-05-2011, 10:06

You should look into casting it not that $$ to get started and you will never look back. Yes they are a little smokey but even when shot indoors isn't that bad. There are a few casters on GT and you may shoot with some so give it a try. It like a shooter that doesn't reload it all part of the hobby enjoy it.

Casting used to be quite the way to save money & still is, BUT, unless you have a cheap source of reliable alloy, casting won't save you much. With lead ww being banned in many large states, the trickle down affect is they are going bye, bye nationwide. If you have to pay more han $1.50/# for alloy, might as well buy commercial cast bullets.:dunno: That is about $45-$46/1000 200gr/45 & about 3hrs work. I can have them delivered for about $71.

Those are pulled plated bullets. May or may not be a value, check the size w/ some calipers. I have had very mixed results w/ pulled bullets.

PistolWhipp

12-12-2011, 22:08

Those are pulled plated bullets. May or may not be a value, check the size w/ some calipers. I have had very mixed results w/ pulled bullets.

Yea there are a few that are off. Glad you brought that up. Wouldnt have thought to give the heads up. Out of the 3k that I have used so far only found 20-25 that the weight or size was too far off for me. I just use it for plinking. Cheap way for more trigger time. :)

Fwdftw

12-12-2011, 22:10

Casting used to be quite the way to save money & still is, BUT, unless you have a cheap source of reliable alloy, casting won't save you much. With lead ww being banned in many large states, the trickle down affect is they are going bye, bye nationwide. If you have to pay more han $1.50/# for alloy, might as well buy commercial cast bullets.:dunno: That is about $45-$46/1000 200gr/45 & about 3hrs work. I can have them delivered for about $71.

where ya gettin 1000 45s for 71?

MinervaDoe

12-12-2011, 22:24

:popcorn:

freakshow10mm

12-13-2011, 00:04

where ya gettin 1000 45s for 71?
200gr LSWC are $71 + FRB here:

http://www.twoalphabullets.com/Products.htm

I sell my .45 230gr TC locally for $65/K.

fredj338

12-13-2011, 00:16

where ya gettin 1000 45s for 71?
Try these. http://uniqueprecisionbullets.com/45.htm 1500 in a FRB is $71.35/1000. Cheaper to make my own, but when I don't have time or when my Magma pot is dowm, like now, these will do.:supergrin: